There were days
Before every dream
Where empty space
Held their memory
Of fading halls
Hiding doorways
Where life itself
Remained still

And happier ends
Stayed a wish
Like hope long gone
Having surfaced
To explore such times
Become feelings
Slipping once again
Into dusk

Just beyond those walls
Turning beige
Or more unknown rooms
Filled with static
From cassette tapes found
Always playing
Only seen again
As we pass

Until hindsight yields
Deeper pain
Than any true fear
Could imagine
By sorrows recalled
Combing closets
For unopened gifts
Left behind

Packed away
Besides broken lights
Near fabric trees
Making echoes
As they brush our hands
Touching family
Keeping childhood real
Under dust

Calling out so loud
Seeking ghosts
Across basements dark
Growing lonely
Thinking home is there
Between shadows
Through that maze
Among faceless friends.

• J. Pigno